My Left Foot is the story of Christy Brown, an Irishman who is born with cerebral palsy and is only able to control his left foot throughout his entire life. Some might think that this would be an impediment that would break most people but Christy managed to lead a life that was different but not at all empty or meaningless. His father and his mother both came to accept him and realize just what kind of talent he had when he took up painting, which was astounding really since he had only his left foot to work with. Daniel Day-Lewis put in one of the best performances of his life on this film.
Of course Lewis went over the top like he does so often. But that’s why so many like him.
10. Daniel Day-Lewis stayed in character more often than not.
He didn’t even break character when the film wasn’t rolling. One day he even refused to break character when his agent wanted to talk to him, which upset his agent quite a bit.
9. Lewis injured himself during this film.
He broke two ribs while having to stay hunched over like he was for so long. The guy kept going though since he’s that dedicated to his part.
8. The film is based on Christy Brown’s life story.
To think that people go through this kind of thing in real life is hard to really understand, but in some ways they’re a lot stronger than the rest of us for having done it.
7. Most of the scenes were filmed through a mirror.
This was due to the fact that Lewis could only manipulate his right foot when it came to performing the actions he needed.
6. Miramax spent a lot more on the publicity campaign for this movie.
They spent about three times as much as usual so that the film would be noticed and possibly considered for an Academy award.
5. Lewis insisted on staying in his wheelchair between takes.
Lewis is notorious for doing things this way as he’s taken his characters above and beyond when it comes to portraying them in a convincing and realistic way.
4. This is the first film directed by Jim Sheridan.
This is one heck of a film to break in a new director on, as it probably had to be spot on to become believable.
3. The composer and the producer of the film met Christy Brown in a Dublin pub.
The composer and the producer apparently became good friends before deciding to collaborate on this movie.
2. Judi Dench was originally cast as Mrs. Brown but she had to cancel.
When the National Theater production of Anthony and Cleopatra was rescheduled she had to bow out.
1. It got an A+ from Entertainment Weekly.
This never happened before this film since critics are almost always bound to say something about a film no matter how great it is. Such a rating was considered a real honor.
One thing you can say about Daniel Day-Lewis is that he knows how to get into character and stay that way for a film.
Follow Us
